Ethics panel recommends fine, censure for former Coral Springs mayor

The Florida Commission on Ethics has recommended a $2,500 fine and public censure and reprimand of former mayor Scott Brook, who two years ago pleaded guilty in a public corruption scandal after taking a free boat ride from developers.

Brook is accused of voting for a Tamarac housing project after accepting the cruise — with a captain and food — from the father-and-son development team of Bruce and Shawn Chait in 2006. At the time, Brook was on the Broward County Planning Council.

The Chaits are central figures in several criminal cases against local politicians.

Meeting in Tallahassee on Friday, the Commission on Ethics announced a settlement agreement with Brook on complaints brought by the Broward State Attorney's office.

The commission dismissed with a finding of no probable cause allegations that Brook solicited the gift or accepted the gift in exchange for his official action. The commission also found no probable cause on the allegation that he failed to report a gift valued at more than $100, as required by law.

The commission's recommendations will be forwarded to Gov. Rick Scott. If he accepts the recommendations, he would impose the fine and censure by executive order.

According to the state documents, Brook asked to use the Chaits' 74-foot yacht to attend the 2006 Fort Lauderdale Air & Sea show with his family and another couple and their children.

When that boat was unavailable, the Chaits offered a 27-footer, along with a private captain. Brook spent more than three hours on the boat and was provided snacks and drinks at no cost.

The Chaits told investigators the food and drinks alone were valued at $200.

Brook previously has apologized and taken responsibility for the violation. A call to Brook's law office on Wednesday was not returned.